Press Review

“Very often the authorities drive the people to a point where they are ready to build barricades at the behest of anyone who promises them a nice life,” writes “Aravot.” “But that is the greatest mistake of all revolutions.” The paper says just because the authorities are “inept and rogue” does not warrant public support for any dubious politician giving rosy promises. “In that case, new inept and rogue leaders will come [to power,” it concludes.

“Hayots Ashkhar” says Nor Zhamanakner party leader Aram Karapetian has only himself to blame for the disruption of his rally in Sevan last month. The paper says many of Karapetian’s close associates have a criminal record.” Echoing President Robert Kocharian’s comments made on Monday, it says only “someone who carries out the orders of our enemies” could stage an anti-government rally in Armenia on the eve of the April 24 genocide commemorations.

“All the signs are that such a paid order was issued [to Karapetian],” adds “Hayots Ashkhar.” “That must give all of us cause for serious concern.”

According to “Iravunk,” such allegations reflect Kocharian’s and Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian’s unease over the fact that the Sevan incident was jointly condemned by virtually all major Armenian parties. Sarkisian should be particularly worried about the development. “The defense minister is now forced to mobilize all of his resources to cope with pressure from both the outside world and domestic forces,” says the paper.

“Iravunk” also predicts that after the upcoming visits to the region by U.S. President George Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice the Armenian opposition will open a “second revolutionary front.”

“Haykakan Zhamanak” says the head of the Yerevan office of the International Monetary Fund, James McHugh, on Monday “effectively confirmed” that the Armenian Central Bank has had a role in the dram’s appreciation. The paper speculates that the Central Bank may have illegally colluded with import-oriented oligarchs as part of the effort. “At the same time, the Central Bank has chosen to cover up negative consequences of the dram’s strengthening. This, to put it mildly, causes bewilderment.”